Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta reunite in ‘Vadh 2,’ a crime thriller that explores the complexities of justice and platonic love. Directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, the film, which is slated to release on February 6, 2026, presents a fresh narrative, independent of the first film 'Vadh'. While the film carries forward the essence of its predecessor, it is not a direct sequel but rather a "spiritual sequel," offering audiences new characters and a standalone storyline.
‘Vadh 2’ follows the lives of a retired prison guard, Shambhunath, played by Sanjay Mishra, and a woman inmate, Manju, portrayed by Neena Gupta. Their paths intertwine after an encounter with a cruel and powerful individual, setting them on a quest for justice fraught with moral dilemmas and challenges. Shambhunath, a lower-rank cop, is shown wooing Manju through a hole in the prison wall. Their bond, characterized by affection and shared adversity, forms the emotional core of the film. The movie delves into their autumnal courtship, showcasing a unique connection between two individuals finding solace in each other's company.
The film distinguishes itself by presenting the lead actors in entirely new avatars, while still retaining the emotional and philosophical core that resonated with audiences in the original film. Mishra, known for his ability to transition between intense drama and sharp social commentary, brings depth to his role as the retired prison guard. Gupta, with her inherent warmth, complements Mishra's portrayal, adding layers of complexity to their characters' relationship. Alongside Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, the cast includes Nadeem Khan, Deepak Rai, Prateek Shukla, and Mukesh Suryavanshi.
The narrative explores the themes of legality and justice, prompting viewers to question the existing system. In ‘Vadh 2,’ the lines between right and wrong become blurred as the characters navigate a world where justice is not always served through legal channels. The film also introduces Keshav, played by Akshay Dogra, an antagonist whose actions set the stage for the events that unfold.
‘Vadh 2’ premiered at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2025, receiving positive feedback. The movie is written by Jaspal Singh Sandhu, who also directed it. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes and received a U/A certificate from the censor board on January 16, 2026.
